Sweets First Bakeshoppe & Café

Creative cupcakes are the focus of this Astoria bakery, decorated with movie and television quotes as an homage to nearby Kaufman Astoria Studios. Dessert-loving cousins Charisse Balines, Sandy Nuguid and Christine Mendoza peddle flavors both familiar (s’mores, Oreo, red velvet) and unexpected (sweet potato, French toast, broccoli and cheese). Pop-culture-inspired names, such as Lost in Translation (dulce de leche) and Family Guy (peanut butter and jelly), are also on the menu.